Sharjeel Memon Dares Punjab Ministers to Debate, Accuses Them of Targeting Centre

Tensions between the Sindh and Punjab governments escalated further on Sunday as Sindh Information Minister Sharjeel Inam Memon threw down the gauntlet, challenging Punjab’s ministers to an open debate. His fiery remarks came amid a widening political rift between the Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) and the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) — two key allies in the federal coalition. Memon accused Punjab’s leadership of “using the PPP as a cover” to target the federal government and Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, while Punjab Information Minister Azma Bukhari hit back, accepting his challenge and urging him to “come himself, not through a proxy.”

Addressing a press conference in Karachi, Memon said that the Punjab government’s repeated criticism of the PPP was part of a deliberate effort to sow discord within the coalition and weaken the Centre.
“The Punjab government’s real target is the prime minister,” Memon said. “We are being used as a cover to attack the federal government, but let me be clear — the PPP will not let any conspiracy against the Centre succeed.”

Memon insisted that the Sindh government had no enmity with Punjab or its people, calling the ongoing exchanges “politically motivated.” “The people of Punjab are our own,” he added, “but some in the Punjab government are trying to create hatred for political mileage.”

Sharjeel Memon’s Allegations

Memon accused Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz’s speechwriter of scripting divisive language, claiming that “the same person who once wrote ‘vote ko izzat do’ speeches is now writing lines about playing the Punjab card.”
“Criticise performance if you must, but don’t poison national politics with hatred,” he remarked.

The minister went on to ridicule the Punjab administration, alleging that its officials were more active on social media than in government offices. “There’s more work happening on TikTok than on ground,” he quipped.

He reminded the media that during the floods, the PPP stood with Punjab — with Chairman Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari personally visiting flood-hit areas and urging international aid. “Our solidarity was genuine; now, instead of appreciation, we are met with blame,” he said.

Memon further suggested that Punjab’s hostility may stem from “jealousy” over Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif’s recent diplomatic successes abroad. “Maybe the prime minister’s foreign visits are the real reason behind their anger,” he said.

“Do They Think We’ll Be Scared?”

Referring to alleged threats received by PPP members, Memon remained defiant: “We are being told our fingers will be broken — do they think we’ll be scared? This is the party that faced lashes and executions. We will not bow down.”

Despite his aggressive tone, Memon clarified that the PPP sought cooperation, not confrontation. “We don’t want to fight; we want unity,” he said. “The PPP will continue to support the federal government for the sake of Pakistan’s stability.”

Azma Bukhari’s Response

In a sharp rejoinder, Punjab Information Minister Azma Bukhari accepted Memon’s debate challenge. “You can choose the place and time,” she said, “but please come yourself — not through a proxy.”

Bukhari accused Memon of politicising the floods that devastated Punjab, claiming that his “narrative has failed miserably.” She further questioned whether Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif had “instructed” Memon to turn flood victims’ suffering into a political weapon.

“Those who cannot maintain peace within their own homes — between father and son — should not give lectures on unity,” she said, referring to reported internal differences between PPP leaders Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari and Asif Ali Zardari.

Bukhari also alleged that Bilawal, during his tenure as foreign minister, had “weakened the federal government instead of strengthening it.”

Conclusion

The latest war of words marks yet another flashpoint in the uneasy alliance between the PPP and PML-N. As both sides exchange increasingly personal barbs, the fragile coalition faces renewed pressure to hold together amid national crises and public discontent.

While Sharjeel Memon insists the PPP remains committed to supporting the Centre, his combative tone — and Bukhari’s equally pointed response — suggest the divide between Sindh and Punjab may deepen before any reconciliation takes hold.

For now, the political drama continues to play out in public view — one press conference, one challenge, and one rebuttal at a time.